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Bresser STARS ASTRONOMY NEBULA User Manual
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Bresser STARS ASTRONOMY NEBULA User Manual

Bresser STARS ASTRONOMY NEBULA User Manual

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USER MANUAL
Version 1.2.0, November 2024

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Summary of Contents for Bresser STARS ASTRONOMY NEBULA

  • Page 1 nebula goto system USER MANUAL Version 1.2.0, November 2024...
  • Page 2 Introduction..........................3 The Nebula Go To System Controller...................3 The Nebula Go To System On-Device Display (SODD)............4 2.1.1. The Primary Main Screen (Fig. 2.1)................4 2.1.2. The Secondary Main Screens..................5 2.1.4. The Mount Setup Screen (Figures 2.4).................6 2.2. The External Display......................6 2.2.1. Connection to the external device................6 2.2.2.
  • Page 3 WARNING The system must be powered on with the RA DEC motors cable connected to the motors • plug. 1. Introduction Nebula Go To System is a Raspberry Pi 4 micro-computer that allows the control of the setup (mount, camera) without requiring any other external device. The philosophy behind the Nebula Go To System is providing the user with a control system independent from normal PC, remote controllable in all its functions using a smart device such as a smartphone or a tablet, not excluding, however, the traditional use of computers of all types and...
  • Page 4 2.1. Use of the Nebula Go To System Handcontroller The full control of the setup is made through the Nebula Go To System WebApp used together with the Raspberry internal kStar or with external astrophotographic softwares, as explained above. However the controller comes provided with a Handcontroller that allow basic and some advanced features.
  • Page 5 3. Search the Nebula HotSpot network. The SSID WiFi name is divided in two parts: the first is common for every device and is “Bresser-”, the second is a 8 digits alpha-numeric code. So the SSID WiFi name will be something like “Bresser-xxxxxxxx”. In our sample the SSID is “Bresser-4320c057”.
  • Page 6 Method 2: Throug PC The PC access requires to know the Nebula Go To System IP address. For a quick connection it will be possible to directly connect to the Nebula Go To System. In this case the procedure will be similar to the smart device aforementioned, below is described step by step: 1.
  • Page 7 3.2 Use of the Nebula Go To System WebApp (SGWA) Once the connection has been established it will be possible to access to the Nebula Go To System WebApp (SGWA), that comes with a very simple and user-friendly display. It is an internet page (called in the following pages “WEB Application”) subdivided in several panels each accessible by clicking on his name.
  • Page 8 Through the TELESCOPE ADVANCED panel (Figure 2.6c) is possible to perform the operations for defining a correct position the telescope when parked and the Home position, usually matching the Counter Weight Down position (CDW - North Pole pointing) before to start the GOTO actions.
  • Page 9 The CONFIGURATION is the last panel to be illustrated. It is quite long, containing most of the Nebula Go To System settings. The setup items in this panel are the following: 1. P section allows: REFERENCES  to regulate the Display Brightness, very important to not disturb during observation. ...
  • Page 10 4. APPROACHING THE NEBULA GOTO SYSTEM There are several ways on how touse the Nebula GoTo system that depend on the user final purpose and it’s own equipment setup. Below it will be explained three main approaches. 1. VISUAL USE: SMART DEVICE ONLY (suggested connection: WiFi) Using only a smart device (smartphone or tablet) connected via WiFi to the Nebula Hotspot (AVgotosys is the password).
  • Page 11 2. ADVANCED CONTROL: Nebula as Stand Alone System (suggested connection: cabled) In this case the Nebula controller will be used as a stand alone astronomical system, using an external PC (or even a Tablet with large display) for the remote controlling via VNCserver.
  • Page 12 3. ADVANCED CONTROL: PC Remote Operations (Nebula used as a GoTo System only) This method must be used in case the user prefer to use Software available only on Windows or other Operative Systems. In this case all the devices (main camera, CCD camera, focuser etc..
  • Page 13 2 - Cabled connection through Home LAN network This method is the more suggested where a LAN network is available, for example setup close to home or observatory location. In this way is possible to access to the Nebula from any computer connected to the same network and Nebula can access to the internet, when provided from the router.
  • Page 14 Search the Nebula HotSpot network. The SSID WiFi name is divided in two parts: the first is common for every device and is “Bresser-”, the second is a 8 digits alpha-numeric code. So the SSID WiFi name will be something like “Bresser-xxxxxxxx”. In our sample the SSID is “Bresser-4320c057”. The default password is: “AVgotosys”...
  • Page 15 Method 2: Ethernet adapter connection (suggested for PC used on the field) This solution is suggested for setup designed to be used with a PC on the field due to the easy connection way, really similar to the USB direct connection mode. The Nebula GoTo System automatically set it's IP address as 192.168.1.28 when is not connected to any router.
  • Page 16 - Switch the “Use the following IP address: option set the value as shown in the picture below Afterward just typing the 192.168.1.28 I.P. address on a browser it will be possible to connect to the device.
  • Page 17 Method 2: Home LAN cabled connection In this kind of connection the Nebula GoTo System, the PC and all the additional devices (tablet and smartphone) must be connected to the same LAN network. In order to access to the Nebula GoTo System is required to know the I.P.
  • Page 18 3. Telescope Operations with the Nebula Go To System Now that the main connection methods has been explained, the user can choose the preferred method on depending on the approach selected. 3.1 QUICK USE: SMART DEVICE ONLY This method of telescope control is especially suitable for a light visual use of the telescope. It requires that the Park and Home positions have been set as described in the “ADVANCED TELESCOPE”...
  • Page 19 3 In the Setup screen, select Telescope and in the new screen (see figure 3.1b) insert the following:  Telescope Type: Meade LX200 Classic  Mount Type: Equatorial German GOTO  IP address of the Nebula Go To System: take it from the SODD ...
  • Page 20 To System. The new version allow to connect Skysafari using ASCOM Alpaca and INDI driver, in addition to the usual manner using the Meade LX200 classic way. The operations to connect the Nebula GoTo System to Skysafari 7 using the traditional LX200 method are the same used for the version 6 and therefore are not repeated here.
  • Page 21 happen), select the Manual Configuration and put in the related fields the needed information, taking into account that the IP number must be taken from the Nebula Go To System SODD and the port number is 11111. At the end press Next to pass to the next page.
  • Page 22 Fig. 3.1.1l Fig. 3.1.1m Fig. 3.1.1n b. INDI: The procedure for INDI is like that for Alpaca. However, some parameters are different and therefore we prefer to repeat here all the procedure so that the INDI user will have a specific mini guide. Start choosing INDI clicking on the INDI button (See figure 3.1.1g) to get the Network Connection and Device Selection page and here (Figure 3.1.1i) press the Check IP and Port for Devices button.
  • Page 23 10 Press button Sync. Now the telescope is perfectly pointed to the star. The following GOTO to the wanted object will bring the telescope exactly over it. 11 Repeat the operations 5 to 7 on few other stars to improve the GOTO accuracy. 3.1.2 Smart Device Direct Operations with kStars lite.
  • Page 24 Fig. 3.1.2d Fig. 3.1.2e 6. To perform more advanced operations, not available in Skysafari, repeat the action 3 up to the point where the INDI Control Panel is pressed. This time, because the Nebula Go To System is already connected to the device, a different page will appear. In this page click “Nebula Go To System Telescope”...
  • Page 25 3.1. Computer Direct Operations (CDO) This method of Nebula GoTo System management is oriented to provide a full control of the setup without using external device (regardless the PC used as a mere GUI interface control). The internal Raspberry is used as a remote computer performing all telescope and other device operations (polar alignment, pointing, centering using plate solve, guiding, focusing, rotating CCD, sequencing and shooting pictures).
  • Page 26 3.1.1. How to establish a Remote desktop connection via VNC To run VNC perform a double click of the corresponding icon. A window asking the I.P. address required for the connection will pop up. In order to establish the connection, both the device must be connected on the same network. In the corresponding field, write the I.P.
  • Page 27 After pressing the OK button it will be possible to get inside the Nebula Go To System Operative System. After the access to the internal Raspberry desktop it will be possible to choose among one of the pre-installed software for the setup management. Their configuration it will be described in the next paragraphs.
  • Page 28 CCDciel The first application we will take into consideration for using the Nebula Go To System with this method is CCDciel. It is an integral part of the INDI environment inside the LINUX and MAC operation systems, which is the correspondent of ASCOM for Windows OS. The emphasis of INDI environment is toward the management of astronomical instrumentation, especially for astro-photography.
  • Page 29 The paragraphs below will describe the setup configuration inside CCDciel: - Run CCDciel by double clicking on it’s desktop icon: - To set up all the equipment connections and configurations is required to create a new setup profile. This operation is performed in the Devise Setup window. To access this softwate section click on the Gear icon on the window top right and then click on the Profile button...
  • Page 30 - In the Device Setup window it will be possible to create a new profile and edit the corresponding name. - After the profile will be created, type the preferred name and start to configure the devices that are cable connected to Nebula GoTo System. The devices menù is displayed on the left side of the Device Setup window, in order to enable each one click on the corresponding button.
  • Page 31 - In this sample the mount driver has been selected as a first step, afterwards have been configured the main camera and the Guide camera. The devices brand shown in the screenshots below has been selected as a sample to help users easily configure their setup. The user should select his own CCD camera brand driver in the drop down menù.
  • Page 32 - When all the devices connected to the Nebula controller has been selected in the Device setup, click OK on the window bottom to save the profile configuration. - Now they are ready to be connected. This operation is accomplished on the main menu right side, the devices connection panel is triggered by the Gear button on the right side button and the connection is established by clicking on the connect button.
  • Page 33 CCDciel Planetary settings setup CCDciel is an advanced astrophotographic software that allows to program complete sequences. Targets can be added manually by typing the corresponding coordinates, otherwise, it can be used a more user friendly method by linking CCDciel with the pre-installed Carte du Ciel. This procedure is described below: - Open the Edit menu and click on the Preferences button - In this way the window of the previously created profile will pop up.
  • Page 34 - At this point it is required to connect Carte du Ciel with the mount driver. So, double click on the software icon available in the desktop. - Then click on the connect telescope button to open the INDI driver settings panel. Here select AvalonUD telescope driver and click Connect.
  • Page 35 - After this connection it will be possible to add a target to a sequence by simply clicking on an object directly in the Carte du Ciel planetarium.
  • Page 36 3.1.2. KStars, EKOS The first planetarium application we will take into consideration for using the Nebula Go To System with this method is KStars. It is an integral part of the INDI environment inside the LINUX and MAC operation systems, which is the correspondent of ASCOM for Windows OS. The emphasis of INDI environment is toward the management of astronomical instrumentation, especially for astro-photography.
  • Page 37 Telescope Setup with KStars Before to start the step-by-step procedure, it is necessary to access to the Raspberry desktop (Figure 3.2) as described in the 3.2.1 paragraph. After the connection the VNC viewer will show the Raspberry Desktop. Figure 3.2 – Raspberry Desktop Below is described the step by step procedure: 1) SETUP A NEW PROFILE: Run KStars...
  • Page 38 2) In the main menu (see Figure 3.2) click on “Toggle EKOS” icon in the main toolbar. The EKOS - KStar window will pop up (see Figure 3.4). Figure 3.2 – KStar main window 3) If a wizard window appear, close it.
  • Page 39 After the Profile Wizard Window closing the Ekos / Kstars main setup window will pop up, in order to connect the setup devices, a new profile must added by clicking on the + button. Figure 3.4 – EKOS – KStar window 5) Now the Profile Editor Window will show up, here must be selected all the driver of the devices available in the setup.
  • Page 40 Telescopes configurationf for solving operations NOTE: It is also convenient to fill the Primary and Guide Telescope types by clicking the bottom right + icon and filling the next windows with the needed information. These parameters are important because they are used during plate solving operations that can be done during the pointing of the telescope and for the guiding operations.
  • Page 41 NOTE: When the CCD cameras are directly connected to the Nebula GoTo System, the corresponding camera driver must be loaded on the WebApp. They will be available in the Kstar driver list after a system reboot.
  • Page 42 6) After the profile has been created and the correct drivers has been selected, they must be connected selecting one by one each tab. a) So click in the AvalonUD Telescope tab and click on the Connect button. b) Click on your own Imaging camera tab and then click on the connect button c) Click on your own Guide camera tab and then click on the connect button...
  • Page 43 After the mount and CCD cameras are connected is possible to check all the mount driver parameters. Figure 3.6c – Nebula GoTo System Option Tab...
  • Page 44 7) Once we are satisfied with our controls and sets, we can close the INDI Control Panel. We will note that now, the EKOS – KStars Panel has been renamed EKOS – Nebula GoTo System Plusfile – KStars and its top is now populated with a long raw of colorful icons, each related to the tabs necessary to operate the single pieces of equipment in our profile (se figure 3.7).
  • Page 45 Figure 3.8 – Mount Control window 9) Finally, an important function for the mount movement is the Virtual Keypad that is activated by clicking the button on the upper right corner of the window (Figure 3.9 – Mount Virtual Keypad). It must be noted that many of the routine operations with the mount, such as gotos, parking/unparking, slew, etc., may be carried out using few icons in the toolbar of KStars: Figure 3.10 –...
  • Page 46 3.1.3. Telescope Operation To operate the telescope, press again the telescope icon already used at point 1 of the previous section. This time a Slew Telescope window will pop up allowing to move the telescope using the RA/DEC cross keys, to slew the telescope to a chosen position and to Sync the telescope in that position.
  • Page 47 3.2. Computer Remote Operations. The method described above involves, as said at the beginning, the use of a tablet or a computer but only as a way to access to the Raspberry desktop, to perform all the described operations with kStars, EKOS and all other applications directly on the Raspberry.
  • Page 48 Figure 3.24a - Windows Figure 3.24b - Mac Figure 3.24a - Linux The telescope coordinate values (RA, DEC, AZ and ALT) are also retrieved from the Nebula Go To System after the connection. Even the Park and Tracking will become active after the telescope has been connected.
  • Page 49 Figure 3.25a - Windows Figure 3.25b - Mac Figure 3.25a - Linux 3.3.2 Connection to Nebula Go To System of Stellarium residing on an external computer The procedure to connect the Nebula Go To System to Stellarium for Mac is similar to that shown in section 3.2.3.
  • Page 50 1. Once launched the app on the Mac click the Setup item under the Telescope main menu (Figure 3.26). Figure 3.26 2. The Setup panel will open on the top left of the main window. Fill all the fields with the information provided in Figure 3.27, with the only exception of the IP address that will be taken from the main ODD (see Figure 2.5 of section 2).
  • Page 51 Figure 3.28 4. Use the directional keys to move around the telescope, the GoTo to slew the telescope to the selected object and the Align button to synchronize the telescope to the object centered in the eyepiece to increase the pointing precision. Connecting the Nebula GoTo System to external astrophotography software.
  • Page 52 3.4.1 Accessing the ASCOM Chooser from several applications Sequence Generator Pro One of the most popular sequencer applications for astrophotography is SGP. The connection of SGP to the mount is performed using the “Equipment” section of the Sequence window that can be accessed by the Main Menu (See figure 3.4.1a). Figure 3.4.1a In this window select ASCOM in the “Telescope”...
  • Page 53 Here, under Mount Setup dropdown menu (Fig. 3.4.1c), select Chooser..The Choose Menu panel will appear. Here click on “ASCOM Mount” submenu. Figure 3.4.1c Repeat the operation but finally selecting the Setting… sub-menu in Fig. 3.4.1c, (green arrow). The ASCOM Telescope Chooser panel will open as needed. Voyager Voyager is a very good shareware program, with a nice, unusual graphical interface that can be intimidating at the beginning but with the use it shows to be a very powerful and complete...
  • Page 54 Figure 3.4.1e Nighttime Imaging ‘N’ Astronomy (N.I.N.A.) N.I.N.A. is also a very good application for advance astro photographer. It is very complete, allowing many advanced functions. The program starts with the Chooser Profiler panel opened (see Fig. 3.4.1f). Close it because the profile may be set in a second moment. Figure 3.4.1f Click the Telescope icon on the left of the screen to open the Telescope setup windows and on this open the dropdown menu and choose ASCOM.
  • Page 55 This is the companion program of the CartduCiel planetary, written by the same developer. The resemblances between the two are really evident. To access the ASCOM Chooser in this program, after its launch, click the menu items “Edit/Devices Setup…” (figure 3.4.1g) to open the homonymous window.
  • Page 56 3.4.2. Choosing the Nebula Go To System driver We have seen that any of the analyzed application has a different approach to get the ASCOM Chooser panel. Once this is available, the procedure to connect the application to the mount is the same for each one.
  • Page 57 Figure 3.4.2c In the first raw it is highlighted the new discovered device, which is our Nebula Go To System, with the indication of the related parameters. Click on the line to select and connect the Nebula Go To System telescope to the software in use. Note that the above two figure may be the last time you see them because the next times you will invoke the chooser, it will automatically detect the Nebula Go To System.
  • Page 58 APPENDIX A How to expand the internal Raspberry SD memory The Raspberry PI free memory can be checked with the "Disks" tool available at the following path: Accessories -> Disks (see screenhot). With this tool and with the GParted tool (preinstalled in the Raspberry) is also possible to add / create / modify the partitions as explained below.
  • Page 59 To modify it, click on the gear icon under the partition volume graph.
  • Page 60 Then select the dimension required and click on the Reize button on the window top right.